“Oh come, Mama.” Janessa waved away the scolding. “You know it is true. Vee has to have someone to cross proverbial swords with. It helps her stave off the doldrums. Better Mr. Roberts than one of us.”
Javenia’s mouth fell open before a rebuttal formed on her lips.
“That is enough, Janessa.” Their father’s rebuke brought order to the table. “I would rather not discuss our unfortunate neighbors while I am trying to enjoy my breakfast. It is the quickest way to indigestion.”
Snapping her mouth shut, Javenia stared at her father. There was the stubborn streak she’d lived with almost her entire life.
He was actually a good father. Kind and attentive, unlike most of his peers. One who encouraged her to cultivate her mind with reading and study. In truth, generosity was woven deep into his nature, but in one place there was a strand missing.
Perhaps if Lord Roberts had not harassed him after the purchase of the Hazelwood estate, his goodwill may have remained, but years of unrest had unraveled the thread. Soa wall had been built, both emotionally andnowphysically, between the properties.
At the edge of the far west field a stone barricade had been erected. A monument to the unrest that existed between the barons.
Not that it had stopped any of the women of the families from associating. The men’s squabbles had never extended to them for some reason, and with so many daughters around the same age it was only natural that they console each other in their misfortune. Hardly did a day go by that the daughters of the two houses did not meet. It was a strange arrangement, both fathers treating the women with respect while vehemently despising each other.
So it was no surprise when a footman entered at the end of breakfast with news of visitors. Jacinda and Janessa practically leapt from their chairs.
“I hope Phillipa brought the fashion plates we talked about.” Jacinda threw her linen on her plate.
Janessa linked arms with her. “And my length of pink ribbon. Did you find the robin’s egg blue one she lent you last week?”
Javenia watched them go, silently wishing it was not the sisters but the brother that had come.
“Are you not going with them?” her mother asked. “It might do you good to spend time with girls closer to your age.”
Javenia’s brow arched. Closer to her age? Phillipa and Charlotte Roberts were almost a decade younger than her. There was a great difference between a woman not quite twenty and a woman not quite thirty. Even though she still had a few years before she welcomed that birthday, she had lived a lot more life than either of the Roberts sisters.
If only Paulette was still around. She was at least within two years of her own age. Even Henrietta or Georgette would be better replacements, but they were all married.
Javenia finished her last bite and dabbed her mouth. “I wouldn’t want to intrude. Cindy and Nessa had specific plans for this morning’s meeting.”
Her mother nodded. “Yes, Maidstone’s Harvest Ball is certain to be a great delight before we return to Town for the season.”
“Indeed.” Javenia rose from her seat. “I only hope Nessa is not too disappointed when she realizes she will not be attending.”
Her mother looked uncomfortably at her father.
He cleared his throat. “Actually, we have decided to allow her to attend the local assemblies.”
Javenia’s eyes widened. “Before Cindy is married?”
He gave her a pointed look. “None of us are getting any younger, Javenia. Besides, with Jacinda’s amiable disposition, I am certain she will make a match before the season’s end. Best that Janessa gains some experience before we take her to London next year.”
And there was the sting. If Jacinda was amiable enough to make a match, did that make her disagreeable?
Nessa peeked her head into the breakfast parlor. “Vee, do you want to join us?”
The invitation caught her by surprise, and she narrowed her gaze. Her sister’s smile was too big, her brown eyes too innocent. What sort of mischief was afoot?
“Go, Vee.” Her mother motioned to the door with her fork. “It will do you good to socialize.”
Javenia leaned back in her seat, pinning her shoulders to the chair. She was a grown woman. Why did they think they could order her around like a child? “I socialize. Just last week, I visited both Lady Stanford and Mrs. Kendall multiple times.”
Her mother scoffed. “Both married ladies. You will not find a husband in their homes.”
She folded her arms, battling back a smirk. “On the contrary. I found husbands at both homes.”
Her father coughed conspicuously into his napkin, the corners of his eyes crinkling. At least he appreciated her wit. Her mother, it seemed, did not.
